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GUIDE TO ASSEMBLY OF ERICA SYNTHS POLIVOKS-INSPIRED VCO

If you are reading this, most probably, you are about to build Erica 
Synths DIY Polivoks-inspired Oscillator. This VCO is 35mm deep, 
skiff friendly, has solid mechanical construction and doesn’t require 
wiring. The core of the VCO is borrowed from famous Russian synth 
Polivoks VCO and in exponential converter we use the original 
matched transistor IC that was used in Polivoks. But we significantly 
updated schematics:
1) we intr-10V regulators for greater stability of operation,
2) we adjusted signal amplitudes to match requirements of 
contemporary modular synths and made all output signals available 
simultaneously,
3) we redesigned CV inputs to accept positive CV signals,
4) we introduced PWM circuit with manual and  voltage controlled 
pulse width,
5) we introduced synchronization input, so you can sync the VCO to 
other VCOs.

The Oscillator kit comes in three versions:
1) Set of 2 PCBs  + matched transistor IC + mechanical parts (PCB 
connectors and spacer) + 5 position rotary switch,
2) Set of 2 PCBs  + matched transistor IC + mechanical parts (PCB 
connectors and spacer) + 5 position rotary  panel,
3) Full kit.

FEATURES:

Triangle, saw and pulse wave outputs

Manually adjustable and CV controlled pulse width

Great tracking across 8 octaves

Exponential FM input with attenuator

Synchronization input

Octave switch – 5 octaves

Skiff-friendly design

SPECIFICATIONS:

Audio output amplitude

10Vptp

Octave range

C0 – C8

Panel width

12HP

Module depth

35mm

Power consumption

34mA@+12V, 36mA@-12V

1

3

4

2

5

6

7

8

9

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

The TUNE knob allows you to set the tune of 
the VCO across two octaves 

Use Octave switch to set octave the VCO tune 
octaves up or down instantly

Adjust pulse width manually!

This is FM CV attenuator

These are VCO outputs. All three waves are 
available simultaneously

Patch 1V/oct CV source here. The VCO tracks 
well across 8 octaves

Patch FM CV source here for vibrato effects!

This is VCO Sync input. Patch another VCO 
output here to reset VCO circle. This gives you 
new, interesting waveforms

9

Patch PWM CV source here! 10Vptp CV signal 
affects pulse width form 1% to 99%

Summary of Contents for POLIVOKS-INSPIRED VCO

Page 1: ...IC mechanical parts PCB connectors and spacer 5 position rotary switch 2 Set of 2 PCBs matched transistor IC mechanical parts PCB connectors and spacer 5 position rotary switch panel 3 Full kit FEATURES Triangle saw and pulse wave outputs Manually adjustable and CV controlled pulse width Great tracking across 8 octaves Exponential FM input with attenuator Synchronization input Octave switch 5 octa...

Page 2: ...re you start assembly of the module And please at least take a look on this manual Some components are marked as NU not used leave those unpopulated Some components are market as OPTION those are for optional modifications leave those unpopulated for now ASSEMBLY 1 Solder horizontally placed resistors and diodes on both PCBs Controls board and Main board Pay attention on orientation of diodes 2 So...

Page 3: ...tentiometers and solder the switch potentiometers two multiturn trimpots and jacks Cut off orientation stopper on the switch GUIDE TO ASSEMBLY OF ERICA SYNTHS POLIVOKS INSPIRED VCO 4 Turn the Main board around and solder 1x8 male connectors 6 Turn the connectors PCB around and solder voltage regulators resettable fuses and electrolytic capacitors Also solder 1x8 female connectors and PSU connector...

Page 4: ...ng these voltages check if you have soldered 10V regulators correctly 9 Connect both PCBs together And fix the bottom one with the M3x6 screw For all our modules with 2 PCBs white stripes on both PCBs have to match 10 Install the front panel and potentiometer knobs 8 Use M3x6 screw to install 11mm header on the controls PCB GUIDE TO ASSEMBLY OF ERICA SYNTHS POLIVOKS INSPIRED VCO ...

Page 5: ...tly If the tuner shows something lower than C5 use SCALE trimpot to DECREASE frequency slightly 9 Play C4 again and use TUNE potentiometer to adjust tuning so tuner shows C4 again 10 Play C5 and see what you get The tuning should be more precize If it s not exactly C5 go back to step 6 11 Once you are happy with C5 check what you get on C6 C7 and C3 You may need to adjust it little bit more as des...

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